Roxanna Naidoo, Director of Global Strategy at Latita Africa Tax Advisory, said the current climate requires lawful migrants to maintain a clear and defensible paper trail, particularly where visa renewals, waivers or appeals are still pending.
Naidoo explained that a defensible paper trail includes key documents such as a valid passport, current or previous visas, proof of pending applications, waiver or appeal documentation, and official acknowledgements from the Department of Home Affairs. “You need to be able to prove it very quickly and clearly in writing,” she said.
She added that individuals should also keep proof of residence, employment records where applicable, and a clear timeline showing entry into the country, visa validity periods and subsequent actions taken.
Naidoo noted that many migrants are complying with legal processes but remain affected by delays within the system. She said that while applications may be pending, the inability to provide documentation on demand can result in unnecessary difficulties. “It is very common. Many lawful foreign nationals are just stuck in the system,” she said.
She advised individuals to remain calm if approached by law enforcement and to avoid confrontation, instead providing documentation where possible. Preparation, she said, is essential to avoid complications. “If you are only trying to find your documents after you’ve been stopped, you’re already on the back foot,” she said.
Naidoo also highlighted concerns for employers, describing the current environment as a compliance wake-up call. She urged businesses to urgently audit their records of foreign national employees to ensure all documentation is valid and aligned with job roles and visa conditions.
“Employers should not wait for an inspection before they check their files,” she said.
She stressed the importance of maintaining visa expiry registers, tracking renewals and ensuring coordination between human resources, payroll and management systems.
Naidoo warned that immigration compliance is no longer just an administrative issue but could pose broader business risks if not properly managed.
The guidance comes as the Department of Home Affairs moves toward stricter immigration policies under a draft revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.
Naidoo said the direction is clear, with tighter regulation, increased scrutiny and reduced tolerance for non-compliance. “The system is moving towards a more controlled, skills-focused and digitally managed framework,” she said.
She added that in this environment, professional guidance is becoming increasingly important for both individuals and businesses navigating immigration processes.
–ChannelAfrica–
